The Villa Farnesina is placed in the Trastevere area of Rome on the Via della Lungara along the river Tiber.

It was designed by Baldassare Perluzzi between 1508 and 1512 for the banker, Agostino Chigi who was in love with his mistress Francesca Ordeaschi to whom he finally married in 1519.

After Chigi, the villa was purchased by the Farnese family and connected by a bridge across the Tiber to the huge Palazzo Farnese on the opposite bank.

The walls related to the Loggia of Phsyche were frescoed by several noted artists, most importantly Raphael, but it’s the ceiling that illustrates Psyche and Eros’ story.

Scholars suggest that the story cycle alludes to Chigi’s own life, and his recent marriage.

Although the preparatory drawings and the general conception of the stories are by Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (also known as Raphael (1483/1520), the bulk of the painting was carried out by his pupils, notably Giovanni da Udine (who painted the rich plant festoons of the frame) with the collaboration of Giulio Romano, Raffaellino del Colle and Gianfrancesco Penni.

Two frescoes on the ceiling depict incidents in the story of Eros and Psyche which took place in heaven.

Eros (Roman equivalent: Cupid) fell in love with Psyche and he abducted her.

Then, they had sexual relationships in total darkness because Eros had forbidden her to look at him.

As Aphrodite(Roman equivalent: Venus) was jealous of Psyche’s Beauty, she imprisoned his son, Eros, in her palace and forbade her to see him. At the end, Aphrodite accepted a deal, telling Psyche that she had to accomplish four tasks in order to see her beloved again.

The Eros and Psyche myth corpus might be considered an allegory for the ascent of the soul to immortality through love (especially love of beauty), based on Plato’s dialogue “Symposium” through Diotima’s “Ladder of Love”.

By going through it, one will ascend from loving particular kinds of beauty to loving Beauty itself, from which all beautiful things derive their nature.

According to this analogy, Beauty is related to Love. Besides, Beauty itself is a Form or Idea, which always exists, not coming into being or ceasing to be, nor increasing nor diminishing. Thus, Beauty will not appear in certain bodies in particular: it will appear in itself and by itself, independent of everything else.

•In this fresco, Aphrodite (Roman equivalent: Venus) shows her son Eros (Roman equivalent Cupid) who is the young woman who was defying her own Beauty. According to the original version of the myth, Aphrodite, The Goddess of Beauty, asked Eros to poison men’ souls in order to kill off their desire for Psyche.

“Cupid and the Three Graces” by Raphael’s collaborator Giulio Romano (1517-18).

•Here we can The Three Graces on the clouds listening as young Eros relates the story of Psyche and his mother Aphrodite’s initial opposition – jealous of Psyche’s beauty – to mortal Psyche as his lover and eventual wife, as Apuleius originally tells in “The Golden Ass”.

The Three Graces were also known in Greek Mythology as Charites and they were goddesses related to charm, beauty, and creativity.

Venus has learned of the secret affair and, driven by wrath, is seeking support from her female friends. But they both show little sympathy for her wrath and laments.

“Venus on the Chariot Pulled by Doves” by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

•In this spandrel we can see Goddess Aphrodite (Roman equivalent: Venus), on a chariot and pulled by Doves. The chariot might be related with the allegory of ascendant Beauty, whilst the doves were specific attributes of the Goddess.

“Psyche Brings a Vessel up to Venus/Aphrodite” by Giulio Romano (1517-18).

“Venus and Psyche” by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

•This two frescoes are linked to the fourth task ordered to Psyche by Aphrodite.

As the narrative relates of her ordeals commanded by Aphrodite, Psyche is taken to Aphrodite carrying the vessel she thinks holds Persephone’s beauty but actually holds deadly “Sleep of the Innermost Darkness, the night of Styx”.

Psyche opens the box desiring to be beautiful for Eros and restored to him. In doing so, disobeying Aphrodite, she swoons toward death, needing to be revived by Eros.

Cupid and Jupiter (on the left). Psyche and Jupiter (on the right). By Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

•In these frescoes we can see Zeus, the ruler of the Olympian gods (Roman equivalent: Jupiter) with Eros (Roman equivalent: Cupid) on the left and Psyche on the right.

The Father of Gods advises them. His attitude seems to be more wrathful towards Eros, as he is holding his chin while he is staring at him. By contrast, he looks at Psyche with an indulgent and affable gesture.

“Mercury” (Hermes) by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

“Mercury Brings Psyche up to Olympus” by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

•In these two frescoes we can see Hermes (Roman equivalent: Mercury) who was the messenger of the gods and guide of dead souls to the Underworld. Hermes was also well known for performing duties for Father of Gods.

As a matter of fact, Zeus appreciated Hermes’ wits highly and always asked for Hermes’ assistance throughout his decisions.

In Apuleius’ Eros and Psyche story, Hermes even carries Psyche to heaven and the marriage banquet, just as seen in the first frescoe below.

“Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche” by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

“The Council of Gods” by Raphael and collaborators (1517-18).

“Wedding Banquet of Cupid and Psyche” and “The Council of the Gods” (Detail). By Rapahel and collaborators (1517-18).

•The conclusion of the Psyche and Eros story takes place in two broad format paintings in the vault panel.

Raphael depicts the council of the gods in which Zeus (Roman equivalent: Jupiter) decides to accept Psyche and Hermes (Roman equivalent: Mercury) gives her the elixir of immortality.

Then the wedding is celebrated. The groupings of figures spread out in a lively way. The communal life of the gods is unfolded in a characterization of their all human, too human feelings.-

[Note: The first fresco appearing in the video is not part of the ceiling frescoes composing “The Loggia of Psyche”. Its name is “The Triumph of Galatea” and it was completed about 1514 by Raphael for the Villa Farnesina].

Thanks for the comment… I would love to go to Italy. Hopefully i’ll do it in the future. there are so many stunning places to visit that I sometimes wonder why I am still here!, 🙂
All the best to you, Aquileana 😀

Thank you for this very informative post, dear Aquileana! I will check out the Villa if it is possible to visit. It is wonderful that all these gorgeous fresco are preserved. Amazing story and amazing art.
Thank you again for the nominations, I linked to your stunning blog.
Hugs and best wishes!

Hi dear Inese. I am happy to know that you enjoyed this one… If you go to Rome, you already know where to stop by 🙂 Happy weekend.. Also, thanks a lot for linking to my blog and for your words regarding it on your newest post… Best wishes to you, Aquileana 😛

OH my Gosh another beautiful post from you my Dear! I can not tell you often enough how much I enjoy your blog. Although, I am surprised how much I still remember from school, after all the Latin and Greek torture has happened over 30 years ago :-). I miss Italy, time to tell my husband we are going in vacation 🙂

Thank you very much for your thoughtful words.You know what I think that sometimes we believe we forget things but knowledge remains unalterable in our minds. As Socrates said: “To learn is to remember”

Aquileana, this is so beautiful, and I thought I would never be interested in Greek mythology! You have a way of explaining things, and now I can understand the sequence of these events. How powerful Hermes (Mercury) looks, and his role in saving Psyche. How majestic is Zeus. And who would ever imagine there was such a thing as a “chariot of doves”? This is one of the most exquisite frescoes and love story ever told! Thanks so much for being such a great teacher!!

Hi dear Maria.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, but mainly for telling me about the Loggia of Psyche. You are amazing!…
I saw that you mentioned Hermes, I think I will be posting on him very soon. Anyway, I still have to write about Hephaestus and Ares (Aphrodite’s lovers)… It is great to see how the subjects in Greek Mythology are related one with the other, don’t you think?. Ah, on another note, related to the chariot alegory (and thus with Goddess Aphrodite on these frescoes), here is a post worth re-reading: https://aquileana.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/platos-phaedrus-the-allegory-of-the-chariot-and-the-tripartite-nature-of-the-soul/
I wish you a great weekend. Sending you hugs, Aquileana 😀

Thanks Aquileana, but you surely opened up the world of Greek Mythology for me. And thanks for linking me back to the Chariot allegory. I thought I would never see one pulled by doves, however, and for me it’s one of the most awesome parts of the fresco. And it’s all so allegorical.

I’m amazed and stupefied at the amount of Time these frescoes must have taken to reach completion, and the wide variety of talent displayed in each – from corner to corner, no crevice left untouched. A very fine display overall, Amalia! The stories, themes, and memes of gods and goddesses continue to weave the threads, and recreate their dramas in our present day to day lives.
The not-so-well-endowed gods are reason enough to chuckle. Only in church may ye view nudes innocently and without regret. Where did we go wrong?

“The not-so-well-endowed gods are reason enough to chuckle”. YES, hehehe… I noticed that too… That is curious. I think it is a way to abate the effect of the nudity… a more innocent and version, If you want…
And as to women they are voluptuous. But following the previous idea they are never completely naked…
Thanks for dropping by. I am truly pleased to know that you enjoyed the post, dear uncle Tree.
Best wishes to you, always, Aquileana 😀

These frescoes must be a breathtakingly beautiful sight! I like your explanation of the allegory for the soul’s attainment of immortality through love, and subsequently, love’s connection to beauty. In our culture, we’re often told that beauty is skin deep, that physical beauty is fleeting and fades with age. I think the idea of beauty being an independent entity is interesting. I wonder if this pertains to physical beauty as well as inner beauty.

I had to smile when I read that Venus wasn’t getting much sympathy from her female friends. I’m sure they were well aware of how much trouble she caused on a regular basis. 🙂

Another wonderful post which I greatly enjoyed, Aquileana! I love reading your blog and revisiting the ancient Greek myths. Have a fantastic weekend, my friend!

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no; it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests, and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. All the very best to you, always,
Aquileana 😀

As a painter, the task of conveying the complexities of this part of Greek Mythology must have been tremendous headache. Must remember that was done in Italy, where religious critics were of great power. But it was done as a masterpiece! Bravo! 🙂 Thanks Aquileana once again! 🙂 ❤ xx

Hi HJ.
Good point…I am sure there did a lot of research based on the original sources. As a Man of the Renaissance, Raphael was also a scholar!… And for me, an undoubted genius. Thanks for dropping by. Best wishes to you!, Aquileana 😛

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.

Thank you very much dear Takami… I thought those frescoes were so beautiful that they deserved to be put in the center of the stage… I am happy to know that you liked them too. All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀

“According to this analogy, Beauty is related to Love. Besides, Beauty itself is a Form or Idea, which always exists, not coming into being or ceasing to be, nor increasing nor diminishing. Thus, Beauty will not appear in certain bodies in particular: it will appear in itself and by itself, independent of everything else.”

Aquileana, this is another lovely detailed post, with the most beautiful frescoes. I am amazed that the colors are still so vivid and brilliant. I think since you introduced the story of Eros and Psyche, it’s perhaps my favorite, an incredible love story. Aphrodite is also becoming another favorite character, so beautiful, yet so flawed. Thank you as always for an outstanding presentation and post. Enjoy the arrival of the weekend!

Hi dear Pepper,
Thanks a lot for your great insights here… I agree with you, Aphrodite has become a favorite character among all the greek Goddesses. What I like of her is that she is a sort of troublemaker. She was complex, wasn’t she?…
I am pleased to know that you liked this frescoes as much as I did!.
I am wishing you a great weekend!. Best wishes to you, always, Aquileana 😀

Beautiful post and paintings, artwork and architecture of Villa Farnesina. So well written, for our information. The Greek myth charites has portrayed charm, beauty and creativity. Thank you. Aquileana, and have a lovely weekend. 🙂 Love, Iris.

Another great post about mythology, artwork and love. I notice love is such a big theme in your Greek posts, as it is in our lives today. Somethings never go out of style, I suppose… I wonder if Cupid has a sweet orange half or if he knows you and I already found one another?… ! I like the art and your accompanying words here, Aqui. Happy Friday, honey xo

Love is a classic. You are right, Chris… And I think that Cupid knows… As he tends to be involved in this kind of love affairs between friends…
By the way, Your comment made me smile 🙂 ❤
I send you much "Love" and wish you a "lovely" weekend ahead.
Aquileana 😀

I also had the curiosity as to why the women in both Raphael and Michelangelo’s frescos were so muscular. I found out that they had to use mostly men as models, and then convert them to women because women were not allowed to pose, much less in works commissioned by the Church. Also, it has been said that Raphael was influenced by Michelangelo’s use of the human figure in The Sistine Chapel. I found this interesting article addressing this artistic style which explained this phenomena, alluding mostly to Michelangelo, but which explains why all this happened:http://renresearch.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/men-with-breasts-or-why-are-michelangelos-women-so-muscular-part-1/

Then, I researched Botticelli, and his women were always so feminine and delicate.
Botticelli belonged to the Florentine School under the patronage of Lorenzo de’ Medici, a movement that Giorgio Vasari would characterize less than a hundred years later as a “golden age”. He remained under influence of Gothic realism which perhaps explains the gracefulness of his figures more reminiscent of classical antiquity , and he does have a fresco in the Sistine Chapel:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Trials_of_Moses_(Botticelli)
I supposed it’s important to remember what Jill Burke said in the second part of the above article: “Artistic nudes weren’t meant to be realistic”, and she also says:
“What we need to do when looking at this type of renaissance nude is to disassociate ourselves from expectations of naturalism and to recalibrate our understanding of what is beautiful.”-http://renresearch.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/men-with-breasts2/
Nudity simply had a whole different meaning at that time.

I totally agree with the last statement!… And Botticelli’s women look so much more female and delicate, even slimmer. Don’t you think?… I guess Burke was also right when he linked Renaissance with a sort of misogyny regarding Women.
Best wishes, my dear Maria. thanks a lot for your great feedback here,
Aquileana 😛
(We need to check out which was the male pattern of beauty… have you noticed that the genitals are quite small for an adult man?)…

That post (well two posts and there were two parts) was extraordinary.

I particularly enjoyed to learn that many of the female figures in renaissance paintings were based on male models …

There explanations are eloquent as they include:
1) androgynous bodies were thought to be beautiful in the Renaissance,
2) artistic nudes weren’t meant to be realistic.
3) Maybe Michelangelo’s women were quite manly because he was gay, and “thus somehow had an inbuilt distaste, or even inability, to portray women’s bodies accurately”.
4) the typical idea was that the normative human body was male, and that women’s bodies were simply imperfect versions of men’s. (i.e: ” Eve was created from his rib whilst he was sleeping, as women represent the imperfect, passive and corporeal aspect of men, who are representative of the intellectual and spiritual tendencies of humans.

In this sense, Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “John the Baptist” (a) is clearly the androgynous type. And “the kneeling woman” (b) by Michelangelo (which was a study for Mary Magdalen in his unfinished Entombment panel, dated 1500) is another good example of the manly ideal of Beauty even among female figures

I was also astounded to learn that. But then, they needed models, and upper-class women could not pose. I suppose bringing in prostitutes was not too feasible in that Church and High Class patronage environment, so it kind of makes sense that all they had were men to pose. It was hard for me to believe also.

Maria… I am adding here the points you made reference to the other day, being them related to THE FIGURES OF Venus and Virgin Mary during the Renaissance.

“In the Medieval period, everything related to the Classical period was perceived as associated with paganism. In the Renaissance it came increasingly to be associated with enlightenment. The figures of Classical mythologybegan to take on a new symbolic role in Christian art and in particular, the Goddess Venus took on a new discretion. Born fully formed, by a sort of miracle, she was the new Eve, symbol of innocent love, or even, by extension, a symbol of the Virgin Maryherself. We see Venus in both these roles in the two famous tempera paintings that Botticelli did in the 1480s for Cosimo’s nephew, Pierfrancesco Medici, the Primavera and the Birth of Venus.”

Thanks for explaining it even further, Aquileana. And in this painting of “The Triumph of Venus” from the Early Renaissance, I also see “The Three Graces” which you say were also known in Greek Mythology as the “Charites”. Is there any particular reason as to why they reappear here and there for some reason? Well, maybe in another post!

That is a good question… I’d say that probably the Three Graces might be linked to the Holy Spirit, during the Renaissance. But I am not sure.
I also noitced that on that same painting the little Eros appears by Ares (untying the lace of one of his shoe)… I will have to do a little research on this painting to learn about these symbols.
Much love and thanks for the links you sent me. I am still working on it. But… so far so good!. Love, Aquileana 😀

Yes, that painting of Eros undoing Ares shoe is very curious, as it shows Eros had been born already. But I would love it you blogged about the Charites (the Three Graces), as I was reading, each one of them has a different name and personality

Thank you so much for following my blog, Aquileana! It gave me a chance to discover your fantastic blog, which has so many interesting reads. I eagerly look forward to more. Thanks again. 🙂
Have a great week ahead.

I’m only repeating the obvious in stating how amazing and beautiful all of those frescoes are, but they are! It would be amazing to build a house today and try to do the same thing. The castles I just visited in Germany were full of paintings as well. All of the frescoes in Neuschwanstein showed scenes from Wagner’s operas and not one image of King Ludwig appeared anywhere. His parents’ castle on the opposite hill had pictures that show the family history as did the oldest castle I visited Burg Eltz. The world is indeed not lacking in beauty.

Hi dear Jeri ❤
Thank you very much for your thoughtful words. How wonderful that you been in Germany and visiting all those mesmerizing places.
As I read through your words I felt as if I was there somehow (well of course figuratively speaking). Hence, thanks for sharing these trip notes with me. Best wishes and welcome back!, Aquileana 😛

Aquileana this is another outstanding post.. I smiled to myself at the beginning of reading this as I actually understood who and what you are talking about having followed within your past posts about Psyche… Loved the paintings.. So detailed and exquisite artistry.. When you imagine the precarious positions to be painting them in the 1500’s, and the colours still as beautiful today.. 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed your posting my friend 😀 xxx

Thank you very much for your great words here. You know they mean a lot to me, don’t you?…
I am happy to know that you enjoyed this post on The loggia of Psyche.
You are right there are winks with other related posts on the same Saga. 🙂
And I absolutely agree with you: these masterpieces were stunning by the Renaissance. That’s why they are still artistic jewels nowayads.
Much love to you, my friend, Aquileana 😀

An illustrative complementary article to your previous post Aquileana. The frescoes are extraordinary in scale and talent. The concept of achieving immortality through love is very pleasing but the love of beauty rings somewhat shallow but I suspect that there may be an alternative interpretation of this. Great work on collating and presenting this miscellany of mythology, culture, art, history, geography, architecture and travel guide.

Hi dear Mike.
Thanks for your thoughtful and clever words here. You are right, I think that the idea of immortality being linked to Love and Beauty is one of the major achievements in this allegorical frescoes. Such a powerful symbology, right!.
Wishing you all the very best! ❤
Aquileana 😛

Such a privilege to see Raphael’s beautiful frescoes. The video at the end was a feast for the eyes and ears. I could clearly see Jupiter’s anger when talking to Cupid and how sweetly he was looking at sweet Psyche.

I also marvelled at men’s bodies, so muscular, like today’s body builders’. And women are so voluptuous, not like today’s models!

Hi dear Irina!,
Thanks for your beautiful comment and for highlighting the priceless aesthetic value of these frescoes.
As to the notion of Beauty, I agree with you… stereotypes of beauty have changed through the centuries, particularly regarding women’s bodies!.
Much love to you. Hugs! ❤ Aquileana 😛

[…] ►Art / Mythology: "The Loggia of Psyche" at The Villa Farnesina (Frescoes Based on the Myth Of Eros and Psyche): ____________________________________________________________________________________… […]

You have an amazing way of bringing mythology and artistic endeavour together. You are a storyteller that gives relevance to a world embracing technology. It is going back to who we are, what we long for – hopes, dreams, fears, grieving. Your posts are those that I come back to several times. Many hugs, dear friend.

What a marvelous commnet dear Rebecca… It is a sort of paradox, isn’t it?… I mean the fact of using Technology to bring Renaissance into the spotlight… You have made a great point here and I appreciate YOU and all your wise words here.
Much love and many hugs to you, Aquileana 😀

Indeed… She was jealous before Eros came across Psyche and feel madly in love with her… As Psyche was a beautiful young lady Aphrodite (Goddess of Love and Beauty) considered her a a rival… Thanks a lot for dropping by, dear Sue. Sending you all my best wishes for the week ahead, Aquileana 😀

Thank you dear Aquileana for showing me around all these masterpieces of Art! Indeed mythology was and still is a great source of inspiration for all artists.You have impressively presented your fabulous work once again.All is well organised and enriched with amazing details and thorough research !
Sending love your ways , Doda 🙂

Aquileana, you have such a gifted way of combining two of my great loves: Art History and Mythology. Thank you for this fascinating post. I shall add the Loggia of Psyche to my “Must-See List”!
Your Friend, Renate

Hi dear Renate!!!. I am truly happy to know that you liked the Villa Farnesina… And, please if you ever visit it, make sure to take lots of photographs and post them 😛 Have a great day ahead dear friend!, Aquileana 😀

This is wonderful, Aquileana. Thank you. I studied Eros and Psyche for over two years and led a few Jungian workshops on the myth. I loved exploring the myth with an ongoing group. We read Plato, various Jungians, C.S. Lewis (‘Til We Have Faces). We also created rituals. There are such philosophic depths in this story. I didn’t know about these frescos. They’re wonderful. I want to get a closer look at those Olympians. Thank you so much for sharing your research and heart. With gratitude,

Dear Elaine… thanks so much for dropping by and for sharing your valuable and clever insights on this issue…
Eros and Psyche´s myth is beautiful.. I have once written on it… I´ll attach the link here in case you wnat to read the post… https://aquileana.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/greek-mythology-eros-and-psyche/
As to Carl jung, I think he made a considerable contribution among his studies… I am working in a draft for a future post on Hermes and was amazed to come acroos his insights regarding Hermes Trismegistus…
By the way, I loved your last post… Your approaches are always accurate and… wise…
Sending love and best wishes. Aquileana 🍓🔥

We´ll have to do a collaboration on Apuleius or any topic you consider relaevant… I think 2017 is off to the end and one post already scheduled, so probably next year!. You are on the list, anyway, dear Alan. Thanks so much… Have a great weekend… sending love 😀

It is my pleasure, of course… I am adding a widget on my blog to yours in a while, BTW… I should have done so before but totally forgot. Sorry, opps…
Yes, shortly after my next post… It could even be this year (it depends!)… Sending love 😀